A few months ago, I showed you photos of the Victorian house from Practical Magic, a movie starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. The kitchen was practically a character of its own and was one of the most memorable parts of the movie–at least for me. So I was excited when Derek, one of my long-time readers, sent me photos of a Practical Magic kitchen that he designed recently. It was part of an amazing Gothic Revival house project that he spent two years working on, and I think the results are stunning.
The photo above was taken on the set of the film and published in Victoria magazine in 1998. Here’s Derek’s version of the kitchen in the house he designed:
“The AGA is almost like a shrine,” production designer Robin Standefer said of the gas stove that was the focal point of the movie kitchen. “This is the place where they do their work; it’s where they place the cauldron.” Derek’s clients have an AGA, too:
The ceilings aren’t vaulted like they are in the movie, but they are beamed for a similar feel. A view of the kitchen from overhead in the movie:
The kitchen Derek designed:
Derek says:
“The point of this entire kitchen design was to make it look like it had existed for nearly a century. No islands with bar stools, no visible microwaves, all signs of modern conveniences gone. Even the Sub Zero was disguised. The choice of an AGA range, despite its weight, price and many special requirements was completely worth it to achieve this timeless look.”
The Sub Zero disguised as an icebox:
The movie kitchen, looking into the dining area:
And an almost identical opening in Derek’s house–love his meticulous attention to detail:
I think the freestanding island is gorgeous. It looks like an antique, but Derek designed it himself and had it manufactured in Central America. He says, “It was designed after the large work tables found in some of the larger historic home kitchens.”
Many thanks to Derek for letting me share this with you! For more details about the kitchen, visit Derek M Design. You can see more photos of the Victorian house from Practical Magic here. If you could have a kitchen inspired by any TV or movie house, which one would it be?
*UPDATE: You can see the rest of this house here.
You might also like these posts: Practical Magic: A Victorian House Fit for a Witch and A Something’s Gotta Give-Inspired House in Sun Valley, Idaho.
{ 62 comments… read them below or add one }
Hands down, one of the dreamiest kitchens I’ve ever seen. Oh, how I love coming here to get inspired (and realize how poor I am!).
Chris´s last blog ..Painting Furniture
What a lovely kitchen
Kim~HomeIsWhereTheHeartIs´s last blog ..~? New Recipe Posted ?~
Beautiful … great eye for detail! He did a great job and I love the SubZero disguised as an icebox!
MissCaron´s last blog ..Macaroni and Soy Cheeze
WOW! That is one of my favorite kitchen’s ever! I like his version even better than the one in the movie. How wonderful it is for whatever family gets to live there – SWOON!
christy´s last blog ..A little dancing foo
Beautiful kitchen – love the elevation of the wall opening up to the dining room. Have to check out his website now.
Vanessa´s last blog ..Design Inspiration…Stephen Knollenberg
WOW!!! I love his version even better.
It’s so light and open. I wouldn’t mind washing dishes in there. 
Absolutely beautiful! Love all of it – especially the brick. Great job, Derek!
duchess´s last blog ..Birds & A Small Change
Wooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwww………….I’m speechless……
Katie´s last blog ..Little Girl Nursery
i’m in love!!!! thanks, julia, for the gorgeous pics!!
nanne
Great kitchen! What a thoughtful interpretation of the original. Love it! I also love JC’s kitchen in her Vermont home in “Baby Boom”, Iris’s in “The Holiday” and Mary Richard’s kitchen on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”. I loved the stained glass window that she could pull up to open into the rest of her charming apartment. Also loved the kitchen in “Christmas in Connecticut” with the dutch door. Sometimes I think that Hollywood set designers should be designing homes for the general public. Their sets are so much more inviting than what most builders design.
Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
Susan´s last blog ..Vintage Baby Setting
Wow, that kitchen is amazing. Derek did a fabulous job. The island is gorgeous. I like Derek’s design better than the movie set kitchen.
susie´s last blog ..~ MY FIRST GIVEAWAY ~
I’d take that kitchen:) Oprah did a show on Kirstie Alley’s kitchen a long time ago and I remember it being just gorgeous!
Becky @ Farmgirl Paints´s last blog ..Chase the Lion
I don’t really know what I would do with a kitchen, were I blessed with all the room in the world in which to put said kitchen. And, yes, I do know that no one really has “all the room in the world,” but lots and lots of people have considerably more room than I have! All I can do, I guess, is just keep surfing the Internet, hoping that I will find designs that I can put to use in my own kitchen. A little here, a little there, that sort of thing. That said, I will say, and I DO say, that you have given me much to think about with your concepts, and I thank you for sharing your ideas. And who knows? Maybe one fine day I will be sharing an absolutely smashing, albeit small, kitchen design!
Joseph´s last blog ..Pedini Modern Italian Kitchen Designs
not only am i a kitchen lover…i’m also a movie lover. so your blog always makes me smile.
Sherry´s last blog ..Thoughts from the weekend…
… I really love this kitchen… it’s so warm and charming…
Wow – Derek did an amazing job! I can’t even believe it! The stove really does make the kitchen as well as that insanely gorgeous island. I have never seen anyone in real life take their inspiration so seriously – but it sure paid off!
Sarah @ Dream In Domestic´s last blog ..Brand New Target Shoes at Goodwill Prices
i am impressed!!!
Love when people break away from the standard high end kitchen and really go for it. An amazing accomplishment.
Oh My!! I love that kitchen. And it makes me rethink disguising appliances. Derek is a fabulous designer that doesn’t overlook one detail. Thanks, Julia, for sharing.
Shannon´s last blog ..DIY of the Week – Braided Rag Rug
I LOVE these kitchens, both of them. I’ve watched Practical Magic so many times, and fall in love with that kitchen every time! I also LOVE her little shop in town, could you show us some of that?
I especially love what Derek has done with the glass panes over the walk through to the dining area!
Barbara
Barbara´s last blog ..Hello world!
Barbara–
I’ve got photos of the shop in my Practical Magic post. You can see it here:
http://hookedonhouses.net/2009/10/25/practical-magic-a-victorian-house-fit-for-a-witch/
-Julia
Gorgeous! What an accomplishment! Wish I were friends with him so I could come over & cook!
If I were to do it, I’d have to go with Erica Berry’s Hamptons’ kitchen (& living room…&bedroom..) Maybe I could just live in that rental house you showed in Utah!
tina poulsen´s last blog ..Oh, it’s Ree!
Chris@PaintingFurniture, you took the words right out of my mouth.
This kitchen is amazing!
Holy moley!! You can see the love (put into it)!!
What a lovely kitchen!!
Stephanie´s last blog ..Dangle your feet (or paws) Wordless Wednesday
Oh, my. What a beautiful, beautiful space. And another AGA. Ummm. When I’m a gazillionaire, I’ll have a house somewhere where it doesn’t get hot. . . and that kitchen will have an AGA. And I’ll invite you over for a cup of tea.
Richella at Imparting Grace´s last blog ..A welcoming space
One of the most personable kitchens ever! What a designer. Great pics and super job.
This is an amazing kitchen design. It is gorgeous and I love the “ice box” look. One thing I did notice though
The island does not have any leg room… but overall the kitchen is amazing. Love the stove too!
Love the island!! But, then again, I’m partial to tables!
LoveFeast Table´s last blog ..Double Delicious Bars Recipe
I LOVE IT….I WANT IT!!!!!!
How beautiful. Love those two “islands” pushed together and the wall between the kitchen and dining room… wow. The Practical Magic house is one of my all-time fave movie houses. Love it that someone (homeowner+designer) went so far to replicate the look but in a modern, “practical” way. Thanks Julia! (and thanks to Derek for sharing your gorgeous design!)
Tracy @ Comfort&Luxury´s last blog ..Field Trip: The Huntington, Part 3. The Garden’s Promise of Spring
Absolutely one of my top 3 fave kitchens! Bravo derek!!
pattie and allie´s last blog ..Priest Stranglers and a Tiramisu Cheesecake
Julia, I absolutely love the kitchen from the movie and I love Derek’s “recreation”. This is a kitchen where you can feel cosy, where family really has its place and I can imagine all that laughter that is going on when the dinner is prepared. This kitchen is a story in itself…lovely…
petra voegtle´s last blog ..An opulent Lady’s Boudoir
Oh my gosh, to have a large table like that in the kitchen! To be able to roll out dough and prep and just generally have all that room. Lucky, lucky homeowners! That is a true family kitchen, made to spend evenings in together. Amazing!
Hip Hip Gin Gin´s last blog ..Oscar Countdown: “The Thin Man”, 1934
OH.MY.GOSH. Seriously? What? I can not even get over how stunning that kitchen is. WOW-ZA! Oh to have that kind of space … and money!
One of the best ever, for sure!
My parents put an AGA in one of their Nantucket homes and most of their guests didn’t have a clue how to use it … including me! But it WAS gorgeous!
Polly´s last blog ..These two.
I love the tile hood around the AGA range. Superb!
Ann´s last blog ..Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend
Love that kitchen, especially the ‘icebox’ refrigerator. Also, I have lusted for the entire house featured in the movie ‘Home Alone’ since the very first time I saw it.
What a great looking kitchen. I bet the homeowners will be spending a lot of time in there. I would if I had that kitchen.
Oh wow, this kitchen is amazing! I loved the kitchen (and indeed the whole house) in Practical Magic…I watch it often because it is just so much eye candy! Thankyou for sharing x
Tina´s last blog ..Like a Puppet on a String
I like Derek’s kitchen more than the movie version. Stunning design! If I had a kitchen that fabulous, I’d sleep in it!
I don’t know about the kitchen, but one of my favorite movie houses is “When a Stranger Calls”
Shannon of ** Happiness Is…**´s last blog ..Helvetica Cookie Cutters
Oh I’m feasting on some delishish eye candy! Both of these are the kitchens of my dreams. Derek did an amazing job, just amazing!
I never get enough of your blog, thank you for constantly making my day!
Pat´s last blog ..Back From Capri – The Isle, Not The Pants
Practical Magic was the best ever movie kitchen for me. The whole house just stays with people who have seen the film, it’ s amazing. I love it!!!
I am super jealous and happy for the owners all in one. I am pretty sure they know what an amazing kitchen they have.
Man I better start saving up my pennies for the someday. This is without a doubt my dream kitchen!
stefanie´s last blog ..A discussion
Definitely a memorable part of that movie. The recreation looks amazing too!
Nice! And I do think he accomplished the goal of creating a kitchen that looks like it had been there forever.
Lesley @ TheDesignFile´s last blog ..Etsy pick: Handblown glass sinks – stunning!
Wow what a stunning space. Such incredible attention to detail. Love every inch! Thanks for keeping up such an inspiring site with lots of amazing eye candy!
Stephanie Lynn´s last blog ..A Playroom of My Own ~ My Craft Workshop
In a word, exquisite.
Pamela Rosenberg´s last blog ..Joyce Shelton Giftware = Accent Heaven
Wow, I love the very first shot/. image! What a treat! Julia you are the best to show us these great properties!
Karena
Art by Karena
Karena´s last blog ..Stormy Sea in Winter
Hi Julia great post thanks – love love love it. No I have not won the lottery yet you would have had that invite. I wonder how much it would set you back – over here I think at least $50K Aus. and then some. A magic lamp would come in handy right now. I would settle for the kitchen in the movie Just Like Heaven I don’t ask for much do I? This was fun you made my day. Regards Esther from (hot and cold) Sydney.
This is one of those posts that makes me want to get up from the computer, grab my design kit and go into the kitchen to gut it and get it right! I bookmarked the post you did on the ‘Magic Kitchen’ last time. Synchronicity sent it spookily back again today. Thank you, m’dear!
PS I can’t remember if I told you, but I got the Alexandra Stoddard book for Christmas after you raved about it.
janice |Sharing the Journey´s last blog ..Writing Snow
OMGosh! That is one of the most spectacular kitchens I have ever seen. I loved the kitchen in the movie, but Derek’s version is just fabulous! Too bad my budget won’t allow for a Derek makeover of my kitchen!
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Cyndi´s last blog ..And the Winner Is…
Wow! That is close! Derek did a fantastic job! I love the windows {above the doorway and cabinets} and how that area just flows with the cabinets. Love the island/table and how the dark wood works so well with the white. Those tiles around the stove look exact! I love that this looks like one of those kitchens where you could sit and chat with your hubby or best friend over a cup of coffee, or have everyone from your dinner party hanging out and drinking their wine. I don’t cook much {or well}, but I love for a kitchen to really “hug” people when they come into a house. I feel that about this kitchen.
This is fantastic!!
wow I love this kitchen – what a fab job Mr D has done – very movie worthy – best le
le@whoopwhoop´s last blog ..Alexandra Angle … sigh ….
This movie had a “farmers sink” before they were so popular again! This is MY KIND OF KITCHEN!!!
Just absolutely beautiful — when can I move in?
Love the overlay panels making the ref look like an icebox!
This kitchen is GORGEOUS!!! Thanks so much for sharing!
Holy smokes Julia! I would think that I had died and gone to heaven every time I walked in there if it was mine. It’s perfect!
rue
rue´s last blog ..The snow is gone now…
That is the most gorgeous…most perfect kitchen I have ever seen. It would feel like I died and went to heaven every time I walked into it. I’m in love…
Jaime´s last blog ..Tray Table…
Incredible! I’m dying to know what the rest of the house looks like – not that’d I’d ever go into the rest of the house if that was my kitchen…!
Rachel´s last blog ..Back off my car Punks!
THANK YOU!!! I absolutely love the kitchen from Practical Magic! And this designer has created a similar and wonderful kitchen. My husband & i are about to build our last home as we retire and this is the kitchen we’ll have. Thanks so much for all the photos.